I Am Amazon

The events in this story take
place before the story "Sacrifices" and refer to a small passage
spoken by Artemis in that story where she refers to Gabrielle as the bringer
of peace to the Amazon nation. The characters Xena, Gabrielle, Argo, Selari,
Ephiny, and Velasca all belong to MCA/Universal and the author intends
no copyright infringement in the writing of this fan fiction. The rest
of this story is all mine.

The
battle raged for days. To the combatants who were forced to endure it,
it seemed as if it might never end. The tiny village had never known such
suffering could exist. When the warlord Marleus turned his army on the
quiet valley and began attacking villages, systematically destroying each
within his path, the residents of Lamia knew it was only a matter of time.
Xena and Gabrielle had arrived in the village little more than a week ago,
and found the villagers making preparations to flee, leaving behind everything
they had worked for, all of their dreams. But Xena was not yet ready to
let them give up and through Gabrielle's words, convinced the men and women
of Lamia that it was worth the effort to fight for their homes rather than
surrender them.

Now they fought, not only for
their homes and possessions, but also for their pride and for the opportunity
to say that they had faced the evil and turned it aside. Xena led the villagers,
instructing them in tactics to repel the invaders and in the art of defense.
In a matter of days, they had turned this sleepy hamlet into a fortress,
nearly impregnable. That should have been the end of it. Xena had bargained
that Marleus would be looking for easy pickings, and finding the village
prepared for his attack, move on to a more suitable target; but she had
underestimated him. Rather than simply probing the outskirts of the town
to determine the extent of their defenses, he had simply attacked with
his entire force. Xena had not expected Marleus to act so foolishly, but
was prepared for the eventuality nonetheless. The attack was soundly defeated,
much to the exhilaration of the villagers, and the dismay of Marleus. He
had been humiliated before his men, and he could not stand for that. So
rather than withdraw his army, as Xena had hoped, he laid siege to the
village, vowing to kill every living thing within.

That was 5 days ago. As the hours
had stretched into days, and the frequent attacks on the village defenses
became more intense, the casualties had mounted. Xena and Gabrielle set
up a makeshift healing temple near the center of town. But as the attacks
became more frequent, Gabrielle found herself caring for the wounded without
Xena's knowledge, as the Warrior Princess was needed on the front lines
to direct the defense. Gabrielle had enlisted some of the walking wounded
to assist her, but it was never enough, and many had died. Gabrielle felt
the death of each man and woman keenly, knowing deep down that there was
little she could do, but that did not help the feelings of guilt and sadness
at their deaths.

Gabrielle had been tending to
the wounded for several hours without stopping for food or sleep when her
attention was drawn to the front doors of the provisional temple. The doors
had been thrown open, sunlight flooding in, obscuring the face of the warrior
who now stood framed in the doorway. The figure stood imposingly in the
light for a moment before moving the rest of the way through the doorframe
and into the shadows within. Gabrielle immediately recognized the air of
authority and command. Xena had finally left the barricades to rejoin her
in the temple. As Xena walked slowly toward Gabrielle, the bard noticed
a slight slump in her shoulders, a weariness she had never seen before,
and as Xena stumbled slightly, Gabrielle instantly came to her feet and
went to Xena's side, alarm and fear filling her.

"Xena? Are you ok?"
Gabrielle asked, concern etched into her features as she moved to take
the warrioress' arm over her shoulder, lending her support.

Xena looked down as if in a daze,
surprised to find the bard lending her strength, guiding her toward one
of the open beds.

"Gabrielle?" Xena asked
weakly, her mind in an exhausted fog.

"I'm here, Xena." Gabrielle
replied as she aided Xena to sit on the cot, quickly looking her friend
over for any signs of injury. Xena noted the frank examination and tried
to reassure the young woman, her mind clearing as she allowed herself to
relax.

"I'm fine, Gabrielle. I'm
not wounded."

"Are you sure?" Gabrielle
asked, her fears not yet laid to rest.

"I'm sure, just a little
tired." Xena said simply, but her face and body told another tale.
Her normally beautiful jet black hair now hung limply about her face and
shoulders, matted with sweat and the blood of the wounded. Her armor covered
in the blood of the dead, her face ashen with fatigue, the warrioress was
at the end of her formidable strength, and Gabrielle knew it.

"Xena, you're not just 'a
little tired', you're exhausted. Let me get you some water." Before
the warrioress could protest, Gabrielle had moved off in search of a water
skin. She returned momentarily, a skin and clean cup in hand. Xena said
nothing, accepting the cup, a grateful look in her eyes. She drank deeply,
realizing only when the water touched her lips how thirsty she was.

Xena returned the empty cup to
Gabrielle, a small smile upon her lips. Gabrielle returned the smile.

"Thank you, Gabrielle."
Xena said simply.

"You should get some rest,
Xena. I know you. You probably haven't slept in the last two days, have
you?" Gabrielle queried firmly, the look on her face daring the Warrior
Princess to deny it.

Xena began to argue, but her
words died on her lips upon seeing the look on her friend's face. She knew
better than to try to tell Gabrielle she was wrong. The bard had read her
well, as always, and right now she was too fatigued to get into a verbal
sparring match with the young woman.

"Just lay back, Xena, and
get some rest. I promise I'll wake you if anything happens." Gabrielle
said, reaching out to lay her hands on Xena's shoulders and gently push
her down on the cot. She then unfolded a blanket lying nearby and covered
Xena tenderly.

Xena looked up into the green
eyes that now regarded her, "When did you get so good at giving orders?"
Xena asked, humor glinting in her eyes.

"Hey, they didn't make me
Queen of the Amazons for nothing!" Gabrielle replied, heartened to
see Xena's spirits brighten somewhat. "Now sleep."

"What about you? When was
the last time you slept?" Xena asked.

"Don't worry about me. I
got a nap a few hours ago. I'll be fine." Gabrielle replied, hoping
the half truth would convince her friend. The nap had actually been about
ten minutes she had spent dozing before the next group of wounded had arrived.

Xena arched an eyebrow in response.
She knew Gabrielle wasn't telling her the whole truth, but decided to trust
that the bard would take the time to rest soon. At the very least, she
would force Gabrielle to take a break when she awoke. She merely nodded
and turned on her side to face the doors of the temporary healing temple,
ever ready for the unexpected.

Gabrielle, satisfied that Xena
would at least get a few uninterrupted hours of sleep, returned to her
patients, pushing her own growing weariness aside. As she moved across
the temple floor to the group of wounded men and women who had recently
been brought in from the front lines, the doors to the temple opened to
admit a lone woman who immediately began moving her eyes back and forth,
searching. When her gaze fell upon Gabrielle, her face brightened and she
immediately went to her.

Reaching the bard's side, she
bowed her head respectfully, "My Queen."

Gabrielle's head jerked about
at the unfamiliar greeting, pulling her attention from the man she had
been treating. Recognition crossed her features as she stood to face the
woman before her.

"Selari? What're you doing
here? How did you get past Marleus' army and the city defenses?" Gabrielle
asked, not believing her eyes.

The Amazon warrior raised her
head to look into the face of her Queen. "Ephiny sent me to find you.
I had to get into the city to get to you, so getting in wasn't a problem."
Selari replied, ever confident.

Sadness flickered in Selari's
eyes and Gabrielle feared the worst. "She is well, My Queen, but there
is trouble in the village. She has asked that you return at once."

"What's wrong? What's happened?"
Gabrielle asked, relieved that Ephiny was well, but anxious that she had
felt the need to send for her.

"Ephiny sent me with this
message: Velasca had many followers among our people when she became a
God, many who still believe that her vision of the future for our people
is the right one. They have a new voice now, Arleia. She is threatening
to divide the Amazons and destroy me and those of us who do not share her
ideas about our destiny." Selari stopped, and then added in her own
words, "Ephiny fears that she may soon be able to gain enough power
to try and take the Queenhood from her. If that happens it could mean civil
war." Selari stated unemotionally, but her body betrayed her true
feelings. Her limbs were tensed, ready for a fight, but she was frustrated
at not having a release for her anger.

Gabrielle could see the emotions
warring within the woman warrior and sympathized with her. Her own anger
was beginning to rise at the thought of anyone attempting to destroy what
Melosa and Ephiny had worked so hard to preserve, what she wanted to preserve,
the survival of the Amazons.

"You must come quickly,
My Queen. Even now Arleia grows stronger. Many were swayed from Velasca's
side after she nearly destroyed our village with her power, but Arleia
is drawing them back with talk of honor and glory." Selari said urgently.

Gabrielle's mind swirled. She
could see that Selari, and Ephiny, believed she could help in some way,
but how could she leave Xena and these people? Didn't they need her too?
"Selari, I can't just leave. Xena needs me here."

Selari couldn't hide her disappointment.
"Please. We need you, My Queen, or Ephiny fears all may be lost."

"Just what do you think
I can do?" Gabrielle asked, voicing her concerns. "I'm not sure
I can help."

"Ephiny feels that with
you, the rightful Queen, at her side, together you may be able to turn
the tide against Arleia."

Gabrielle felt her resolve begin
to crumble, but didn't want to make any hasty decisions. She needed time
to think. "Come on. I'll get you some food and water and you can rest
while I decide what to do." She said, leading the Amazon to a quiet
corner where she might take a respite from her journey.

Gabrielle brought Selari something
to eat and drink and then left her to her meal. Gabrielle sought a quiet
place to think, wanting only to find solace from the emotions battling
within her. She wanted desperately to aid her sisters in their struggle
to remain a united people, but at the same time she knew she couldn't abandon
Xena and the people of Lamia. Gabrielle absently rubbed at her temples,
the strain of the last few days and the news from Selari giving her an
intense headache. She knew she needed food and rest in order to think things
through clearly.

Xena awoke several hours later,
and immediately went in search of Gabrielle. After looking through most
of the wounded, she found the young bard sitting by herself against a far
wall, away from nearly everyone, head in her hands. Xena was instantly
concerned, and moved to Gabrielle's side.

"Gabrielle? Are you ok?"
Xena asked gently as she knelt down. Gabrielle's head came up slowly at
the sound of Xena's voice. The warrioress could see the pain in her face
and wanted nothing less than to take it away. "Gabrielle? What's wrong?"

A pained expression passed over
Gabrielle's face as she replied, "Xena, did you sleep?"

"Selari? How? Ephiny?"
Xena started, the questions running together in her mouth, coming out in
a jumble.

"Ephiny is fine, for now.
Xena, she wants me to come back to the village. One of Velasca's followers
is threatening her reign. She's trying to hold things together, but from
what Selari says, she's fighting a losing battle. Arleia, Velasca's successor,
is determined to take control, and she could destroy them all in the process.
She could turn the Amazons against each other, Xena. If that happened...."
Gabrielle trailed off, her exhaustion amplifying her emotions.

Xena was surprised by the news,
but was even more alarmed at the look of utter defeat on Gabrielle's face.
"So, what're you gonna do?"

Gabrielle shook her head, "I
don't know. I want to help, if I can, but I don't want to leave you while
you need me here."

"Gabrielle, I can manage.
But I don't think you should make this decision until you've gotten some
rest. Come on." Xena said as she came to her feet, lifting the bard
up. "Let's get you something to eat and then you can get some sleep.
We'll talk about this when you're feeling more yourself." Xena said.
Gabrielle allowed the warrioress to lead her to the cot Xena had recently
occupied and sat down wearily. She swung her legs up onto the bed and lay
back, able to finally relax slightly. Xena looked down into her friend's
face, pale and drawn with fatigue and worry.

"I'll be right back."
Xena said as she went in search of something for them both to eat. When
she returned, she helped Gabrielle to sit up and eat some of the meager
fare she had managed to find. Gabrielle barely picked at her food, eating
sparingly.

Xena could see her friend's indecision
and her conflict and tried to reassure her. "Don't worry, Gabrielle.
We'll figure something out. We always do." Xena said, a crooked smile
on her face. Gabrielle eased somewhat at Xena's words and managed a half
smile. "I know."

"Go on now, your turn. Get
some sleep. I want to talk with Selari."

Gabrielle nodded and lay back
once again, drawing the blanket up around her shoulders. Xena lay a reassuring
hand on Gabrielle's forehead, then moved quickly away, as if embarrassed
at the outward show of affection. Gabrielle closed her eyes, hoping fervently
for the release of sleep.

PART II: DECISION

Sleep came slowly to Gabrielle,
and once it did, was anything but restful. Her mind was still torn by the
decision she had been forced into by the urgent message from Ephiny. Gabrielle
had tossed and turned for nearly half an hour before she was finally so
exhausted that she drifted into an uneasy sleep. But her mind would not
give her solace even in her dreams. Images of the Amazon village, torn
apart by civil war came to her over and over. The visions of her friends,
her Amazon sisters broken by war, suffering in their plight plagued her.
When she finally awoke, her mind was set.

Gabrielle arose from her cot
and went in search of Xena and Selari to inform them of her decision. When
she found the two women, they were huddled in a secluded corner of the
temple, their heads together in quiet conversation. As she neared, Gabrielle
noticed that Xena had become rather animated and Selari seemed to cower
slightly at the Warrior Princess' words. Xena's head swiveled sharply toward
her as Gabrielle approached, and she seemed to bite back the words on the
tip of her tongue.

"Gabrielle. What are you
doing up?" The warrioress asked, "I thought you were going to
get some rest."

"I did get some rest, Xena.
I'm fine, really." Gabrielle said, trying to hide the fact that she
didn't feel rested at all. Her ruse was only half successful.

"Gabrielle..." Xena
began, but was cut off by a wave of Gabrielle's hand.

"Xena, I don't want to argue.
I just came over to tell you I've decided to go with Selari back to the
village. If Ephiny feels that I can help, I owe it to her to go. I'm still
not sure what I can do, but if my just being there can strengthen Ephiny's
position and hold the village together, then so be it." Gabrielle
said determinedly.

A look of relief washed across
Selari's face, and she openly smiled. "Thank you, My Queen."
She said simply. "I'll go and make preparations for us to leave."
Selari rose and strode from the temple, eager now to be gone and headed
back to the village. Xena was now concerned, she was not sure Gabrielle
knew what she was getting herself into, but at the same time, she was glad
that Gabrielle would be getting out of Lamia and away from the immediate
danger it presented.

But now that Gabrielle had actually
made the decision to go, a whole new set of dangers presented themselves.
Xena feared that the dissention among the Amazons could mean a very real
threat to Gabrielle's life, should she be challenged to any type of one
on one combat by Arleia. Xena knew Gabrielle had become quite skilled at
defending herself, but not good enough to take on a trained Amazon warrior.
But she had covered that well enough with Selari.

Xena had given the warrior a
message to carry to Ephiny. Xena had instructed Selari to warn Ephiny of
the need to protect Gabrielle in her absence, and of her insistence that
Gabrielle know nothing of her message. Xena knew of the young woman's pride
and did not want to hurt her, but she also felt that a little prodding
from the Warrior Princess would impress upon Ephiny and her followers Xena's
wishes that Gabrielle's life be defended, at all costs. Xena realized this
message should be unnecessary, knowing of Ephiny's love for the girl, but
she had to feel as if she were doing something, even if all she could do
was send her own words of warning.

"Gabrielle, I know I can't
change your mind, and I'm not even sure I should try. The Amazons seem
to need you, but more importantly, Ephiny needs you right now. Just promise
me you'll be careful." Xena said, a look of pleading in her eyes.

The look was not lost on Gabrielle,
"I promise. I just wish I didn't have to leave you here alone."

"Don't worry about me, go
with Selari. I'll be there just as soon as I can. Just try to stay out
of trouble until I get there." Xena said, a hint of amusement in her
voice.

Gabrielle allowed a small smile
to touch her eyes. "Oh, I promise, no trouble until you get there."
Gabrielle said as the smile reached her lips.

Xena smiled slightly in return,
but she was still uneasy. If the situation had been any different, she
would have left the small town and accompanied Gabrielle, but these people
needed her now, so she would just have to trust in Gabrielle, and her ability
to handle herself if things got difficult. That and her message to Ephiny
would have to be enough.

It was barely two hours later,
and all the preparations were complete. Selari had secured a horse and
provisions from one of the villagers and she and Gabrielle were now ready
to depart. Xena had formed a small detail of men from the town's defenses
to escort them out of the city through a small gap she had detected in
the siege lines laid out by Marleus. Xena hoped to lure Marleus and his
soldiers by creating a small distraction on the other side of the town,
hoping to draw them away from Gabrielle's route.

Xena approached Selari and Gabrielle
as they mounted the chestnut mare.

"Don't forget your promise,
Gabrielle. No trouble until I get there." Xena said, wanting to say
so much more, but unsure of herself in front of Selari and the townspeople.

Gabrielle knew her friend well
enough to read the emotions that lay beneath her words. "Don't worry,
Xena. I'll be all right. I'll see you soon, ok?"

"Soon." Xena replied
simply. Selari spurred the horse to a slow trot, followed closely by the
guard detail. Xena caught Selari's eye as she turned away. The look of
warning hit home, and Selari silently vowed to protect the young Queen
at the cost of her own life, if needs be. She knew to do any less would
be to incur the wrath of the Warrior Princess, and then she might as well
be dead.

Xena watched them go, wanting
nothing more than to be at Gabrielle's side. She had nearly whistled for
Argo and left Lamia and its problems behind, but her conscience wouldn't
allow it, and neither would Gabrielle. No, she was needed here, but she
was no longer willing to play the waiting game with Marleus and had already
devised a plan to end this and end it quickly, determined to join the Amazons
in their struggle and lend whatever assistance she could.

"Stay safe, Gabrielle."
Xena prayed quietly, knowing that for now, praying was all she could do
for her friend.

Once Gabrielle had made her decision
to join the Ephiny in her struggle against Arleia and her followers, she
had been anxious to leave, determined to end the threat to the Amazon nation
as soon as possible. She and Selari made good progress before they were
forced to stop and make camp for the night. They passed a quiet evening,
each enjoying the company of the other. Selari patiently answered all of
Gabrielle's questions about the village, the reconstruction and Arleia's
rise to favor among some of the Amazon people.

Gabrielle discovered that Arleia
had become quite popular, garnering all the feelings of the old days that
Velasca had instilled in the more blood thirsty among them. She knew that
overthrowing Arleia would not be easy and she had absolutely no intentions
of allowing the village to be turned into a war zone. Gabrielle lived by
a code that did not allow killing, and she intended to use that code in
this situation as well. So long as she was Queen, and had any sway at all
over any of the Amazons, one Amazon would not kill another to achieve their
goal. Gabrielle knew that her code would be viewed as naivete by some,
but she did not care. She could not, and would not, be a party to killing
her sister Amazons and if that meant her own death, then so be it.

Gabrielle had told Xena none
of this, knowing the Warrior Princess would not allow her to offer herself
in exchange for the life of the Amazon nation. But Gabrielle had already
made up her mind. What is one life in exchange for hundreds? She
asked herself. Small price to pay. She had decided. She now prayed
that sacrificing her life would not become necessary.

Gabrielle and Selari turned in
early that evening, eager to rise and continue their journey. At dawn they
were back on the road to the village, travelling mostly in silence, each
lost in her own thoughts and fears as to what they may find when they arrived.
It was near sundown when they encountered the first of the Amazon patrols
near the outskirts of their traditional hunting grounds. Gabrielle was
greeted as was befitting a Queen, and was escorted by an honor guard into
the village and Ephiny's quarters.

As she entered the small hut
and her eyes adjusted to the dim candlelight, Gabrielle saw Ephiny, standing
in the center of the room, her head bent over a small table examining a
parchment that appeared to contain a map of the village and surrounding
area.

"Ephiny?" Gabrielle
called quietly. At the sound of her voice, Ephiny's head came up, a look
of joy on her face.

"Gabrielle!" She replied,
crossing the room to envelop the young Queen in a great hug. Gabrielle
returned the embrace, grateful to find Ephiny well and the village peaceful.
Gabrielle pulled away slightly to get a better look at her successor. Ephiny
appeared haggard and tired, the last few weeks telling of her struggle
with Arleia. Gabrielle suddenly felt guilty that she had not been there
for her friend when she had needed her. But she was here now, and was determined
to help in any way she could. But for right now, her first priority was
to get Ephiny to rest, at least for one night.

"Ephiny, you look exhausted.
Come and sit down." Gabrielle said, leading Ephiny to a cot toward
the back of the room, but Ephiny resisted.

"No, I need to review these
maps. We need to be prepared in case Arleia decides to attack in full force."
Gabrielle was taken aback by Ephiny's words, fear suddenly welling up within
her.

"Attack? Ephiny, what's
happened?"

"Arleia led her supporters
from the village six days ago. They have been hiding in the forest outlying
the village, engaging in small raids on our defenses from time to time.
They've even been so bold as to cross the river and attack a Centaur patrol.
Gabrielle half the Centaurs were killed." Ephiny said, sadness filling
her voice.

"Tyldus sent word that he
would hold off any retaliation as long as he could. But that if the raids
continued, he wouldn't be able to control his warriors and they may attack
without his approval."

Gabrielle was stunned by the
news. She had sincerely hoped that Arleia and her followers had not yet
resorted to violence, that would have made matters easier. But now that
they had attacked not only the Amazons but the Centaurs, their task of
reuniting the people was going to be infinitely more difficult. Her mind
swam with the implications of Arleia's actions, but for now she pushed
her doubts and fears aside, concerned only with getting Ephiny to rest.

"Ephiny, we'll discuss this
later. You need to rest." Gabrielle said, gently but firmly pushing
Ephiny down onto the bed. Ephiny opened her mouth to protest, but Gabrielle
interrupted her, "Ephiny, not another word. I'm still Queen, remember?
I'll stay here tonight until another hut can be found for me. We'll have
time to talk in the morning, ok?"

Ephiny allowed herself to look
properly chastised, but a glint of a smile touched her eyes, the corners
of her mouth upturned slightly. "Yes My Queen. I hear and obey."

"That's better." Gabrielle
replied, grinning. "I'll see you in the morning." She said as
she moved to the accompanying room to stow her gear and found another cot
already set up for her. She turned to look over her shoulder at Ephiny,
eyebrows raised.

"I thought you might like
to stay with me, at least for a while." Ephiny replied, shrugging.
Gabrielle merely smiled in response, nodding slightly before turning to
enter her room.

Sleep did not come easily to
either woman. Ephiny could not seem to quiet the voices that taunted her
with her fears for her people, but at least they were not so insistent,
now that Gabrielle had returned. She wasn't sure why, but just having the
young Queen at her side gave her a sense of confidence, a feeling that
things were going to work out. Gabrielle's fears, however, were twofold.
First she worried for Xena, wondering if she was all right, guilt at leaving
her still nagging at the corners of the bard's mind. But Gabrielle also
worried for her people, for she saw them as just that, HER people. She
was here, but now what? The weight of responsibility fell heavily upon
her, and she could only pray that she proved to be strong enough to shoulder
it. As sleep finally claimed her, Gabrielle imagined Xena's face before
her, drawing strength from the vision, feeling that even with the distance
that separated them, she was not alone.

PART III: PREPARATION

Gabrielle awakened early the
next morning, the memory of her dreams still foremost in her mind, the
emotions they evoked heavy on her thoughts. She arose and entered the adjoining
room, hoping to find Ephiny still asleep, but was greeted by the sight
of the interim Queen in quiet contemplation. She looked up from the plans
on the table before her as Gabrielle entered the room.

"I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"
Ephiny asked, straightening from her hunched position.

"No, I didn't even hear
you out here." Gabrielle replied, crossing the room to gaze over Ephiny's
shoulder. "Did you sleep well?"

"Well enough." Ephiny
replied, not wanting to discuss her sleep further. Gabrielle got the message
and let the subject drop.

"What are these?" The
young Queen asked, studying the parchments arrayed on the table.

"Maps of the village and
the forests for several miles. I've been trying to figure out where Arleia
and her supporters may be hiding. If we can find them, then perhaps we
can capture them and return them to the village for trial." Ephiny
replied, turning back toward the table.

"Trial?" Gabrielle
asked.

"Yes. They must be tried
for their crimes. They have committed treason against the Amazon nation,
Gabrielle. I cannot allow that to go unpunished." Ephiny said, a hard
edge to her voice.

Gabrielle was slightly taken
aback, but managed to cover it well. She had not considered that Ephiny
would want the rebels punished, she had been merely concerned with reuniting
the two factions. Now she was confronted with the grim reminder that these
were warrior women and a peaceful solution may not be possible. But that
wasn't going to stop her from trying to settle this all nonviolently.

Gabrielle turned to face Ephiny,
determination on her face. "Ephiny, revenge is not the way. We must
be willing to reunite with Arleia and her followers."

"Gabrielle, these women
have committed very serious crimes against their sister Amazons. They have
committed treason, but more than that, they have committed murder. Four
have already been killed in their raids." Ephiny said, her voice raising
in anger. "The village will accept nothing less than justice for what
Arleia has done, nothing! And neither will I."

"Ephiny, I'm sorry. It's
just that...I can't be a part of an execution, I won't." Gabrielle
replied, calm in the face of Ephiny's tirade.

"Then maybe I shouldn't
have sent for you." Ephiny snapped, immediately sorry for her sharp
words.

Gabrielle was hurt and tried,
unsuccessfully, not to let it show. "Ephiny, I want to help. You are
all my sisters. I feel like you are my people, and I can't just stand by
and watch while all of the Amazons, all that Melosa lived to protect, is
destroyed, piece by piece. But you know I won't take part in killing, not
like that."

"Gabrielle, I'm sorry, I
shouldn't have said that. I need you at my side, the rest of the village
needs to see that we are united in this. Together, I know we can defeat
Arleia." Ephiny said.

Gabrielle was still skeptical.
"Ephiny, I still don't see how I can help..."

"Gabrielle, when you stood
up to Velasca, you gained the respect of the entire Amazon nation. Even
her followers respected you, who was not born Amazon or trained in the
Amazon ways. The way you were willing to accept the Queenhood and fight
to keep it took courage, and courage we Amazons respect. When you openly
defied Velasca on that dias when you were crowned, that took a great deal
of strength. She could have killed you then and there, and I'm not sure
I could have stopped it." Ephiny paused, considering her words carefully.

"Gabrielle, not many people
have held the position you do in the eyes of our people. And I don't mean
just being Queen. People will do anything for someone they respect. I just
don't hold that kind of place anymore."

Gabrielle was pleased to hear
Ephiny refer to the Amazons as "their" people, but was uncertain
why Ephiny doubted herself. "What do you mean?"

"Velasca raised doubt among
the people when she questioned my loyalty that day you became Queen. Gabrielle,
I married. No Amazon who has dared marry a man has ever risen to become
Queen. It is considered something of a betrayal to become the property
of a man." Ephiny replied, her eyes lowered.

"Ephiny, you were never
Phantes' property."

"I know that, but in the
eyes of the law, once you marry, you are his. That is why most Amazons
never enter into marriage. To become a man's possession is unthinkable
for us. In our tradition, men are to be used, loved if we must, but we
never to belong to them." Ephiny said, her eyes rising to meet Gabrielle's
to emphasize her point.

Gabrielle could see the truth
in what Ephiny said. For the Amazons, men were nothing more than tools,
a means to an end, to be discarded when you were finished with them. Suddenly
a doubt surfaced and Gabrielle gave it voice, "But Ephiny, I was married
once."

Ephiny could see the hurt in
Gabrielle's eyes, hear it in her voice at the memory of her dead husband.
She replied confidently, "Yes, but you were not raised Amazon, and
you they can forgive. All they see is your courage and your nobility, Gabrielle.
These people, YOUR people, would follow you to the ends of the earth, if
you asked them to. I need that power now. Please Gabrielle, help me. At
least help to end the raids so that no one else has to die needlessly.
After that, maybe we can come up with a solution that everyone can live
with."

Gabrielle could see the faith
reflected in the eyes that now calmly regarded her. She was still not completely
convinced, but was at least ready to trust in Ephiny's faith in her. "OK,
Ephiny. I'll try." A smile covered Ephiny's face, relief washing over
her. She knew her people well, and also knew that it would not be easy
to hold them back from the blood they had been crying out for, but she
would try, for Gabrielle's sake if for no other reason.

"I'm going out to have a
look around the village." Gabrielle said, suddenly needing to be alone
for awhile.

"But Gabrielle, it may not
be safe." Ephiny said, worry etched into her face. Xena's warning
had been quite clear and Selari had volunteered to be the young Queen's
personal bodyguard.

"I promise not to go too
close to the outskirts of the village, I just need to clear my head a bit,
ok?" Gabrielle said.

Ephiny knew of the bard's stubborn
streak, had seen it first hand in the healing temple in Thessilay when
she had nearly died, and let the matter drop. Besides, she had already
decided to send for Selari anyway, to keep a discreet eye on the Queen.
"All right, just be careful."

"I will." Gabrielle
reassured her. As she turned to leave the hut, she reached for her staff
leaning against the doorframe. Never can be too careful. She thought
to herself as she strode through the door and into the sunlight beyond.

Arleia had never spent this much
time away from her home village before in her life. The feelings of homesickness
were entirely new to her, and she was frankly having a hard time dealing
with them. But her drive, her ambition, was stronger than her loneliness
for the comforts of the village. When Velasca challenged Melosa and became
Queen, she had been as ambiguous as many of the Amazons, but then Velasca
had begun to preach. Her oratory had inspired many that, deep down, felt
that the Amazon people were destined for so much more than what they had
become. Those speeches had awakened something deep within the young Amazon
warrior, a yearning for the old days, when the Amazons were strong, feared.
And now it was her turn.

Arleia felt in her heart that
it was she who was entrusted now to lead the Amazons into the future, toward
their destiny. Ephiny was a fool. Peace with the Centaurs was ludicrous!
How could they possibly make peace with those who had for years killed
their mothers and sisters? It was unthinkable to many, but while Melosa
was Queen, few dared to challenge the peace. Then came Velasca, and all
that had changed. When Velasca had become a god, Arleia saw her chance.
She knew that with a god on her side, she could take control and return
the Amazons to their destiny. Even now, with her patron deity at the bottom
of a river of lava, Arleia had faith that one day Velasca would free herself
from her prison and the warrior intended to be ready for that day.

The attacks would continue, and
she would tear apart the resistance to her faction piece by piece. Even
the news that the true Amazon Queen had returned did little to deny Arleia's
conviction that eventually she would be successful. She knew the kind of
feeling the Amazon Queen would be able to arise in the women of the village,
and she needed to come up with a way to neutralize Gabrielle's power. Killing
her outright would only serve to make her a martyr, and a martyr you can
never silence. No, there had to be another way. She had to prevent Queen
Gabrielle from igniting any passion in the Amazon warriors arrayed on her
side, and at the same time stay within the bounds of Amazon law.

Arleia knew she had to tread
very carefully, for to alienate her own followers by outright murder would
do her no good either. Even though they had openly defied Amazon law, they
still held their honor close to their hearts, and without honor, they might
as well be dead.

Arleia summoned her Lieutenants
to her, preparing the strategy for the coming days. The overall plan was
to wear down the Queen and her warriors, that had not changed. If the price
to continue the fight became too high, Arleia could take over the crown
easily by offering peace in exchange for the mask of the Queen. And so,
she dispatched her warriors yet again, with instructions to kill if they
must, destroy what they could. They could always rebuild, but rebuild in
her vision. She would remake the Amazons in her own image, and they would
once again be the strong, feared warrior women of Greece.

PART IV: QUEEN

Gabrielle had kept true to her
word, and stayed near to the central part of the village. It had been pitch
black when she had arrived the night before, but now in the light of day,
she could see the remnants of the destruction Velasca had brought down
on the Amazons. Everywhere she looked, the huts seemed to be pieced together
haphazardly, as if there was no time to take better care in the repairs.
Even though t a month had passed since Velasca had nearly destroyed everyone
in the village, little progress had been made on the reconstruction. Gabrielle
could now appreciate the levels of animosity that must have been felt within
the village to keep them from such important work. She could see why Ephiny
had needed her to help, in whatever way she could, to unify them. These
people needed a direction in which to travel, and she only hoped that she
could help to give them what they needed.

Everywhere she looked there was
activity, and the entire village seemed to be alive with vitality. Gabrielle
could see women mending armor here, cooking there, rebuilding wherever
necessary and it all had an urgency to it. She could feel it like a current
running through her, filling her with a nervous energy. Gabrielle suddenly
realized it was the same feeling she sensed when she and Xena were about
to enter into some sort of hostile situation, and on some primal level,
she relished it.

Several women, who had paused
in their labors to bow low before her, greeted her as she passed by. The
typical greeting for an Amazon Queen was foreign to Gabrielle, and it made
her more than a little uncomfortable. She returned the respect she was
shown with a slight inclination of her head to satisfy the Amazon tradition
and a grin to satisfy herself. Gabrielle wanted to feel a part of these
women and their lives, but there was some part of herself she felt she
needed to hang onto, and her smile was the outward expression of that part.

As she surveyed the village and
its occupants, Gabrielle's mind wandered to Xena and she wondered, not
for the first time, if the Warrior Princess was all right. She knew Xena
could handle herself in just about any situation, it was just that if she
wasn't there herself to see that she was ok, Gabrielle worried. But for
now all she could do was wait for the warrioress to join her.

Just as she completed her round
of the village, the sounds of swords clashing just beyond the surrounding
trees greeted her ears and she turned sharply, seeking the source of the
battle. The Amazons, who moments ago were simply going about their daily
chores, now sprang into action, grasping weapons that were never out of
arms reach. Gabrielle followed them toward the sounds of fighting that
were now drawing ever closer to the village. As she reached the edge of
the trees, she felt a hand on her arm and spun around to see Ephiny standing
before her.

"Please, Gabrielle, stay
here." Ephiny said urgently.

"Ephiny, I can help!"
Gabrielle cried.

"Gabrielle..." Ephiny
began, but was interrupted by a piercing cry that startled both women.
Ephiny turned and ran toward the dying scream, her protest forgotten. Gabrielle
turned to follow, her staff at the ready. As they broke through the trees
into a tiny clearing, Ephiny and Gabrielle were greeted by a sight that
horrified them both. The patrol that Ephiny had dispatched only that morning,
then had numbered five, and was now reduced to two. And those two were
in a fight for their lives. The loyal Amazons had been ambushed by Arleia's
rebels and caught nearly unawares, not expecting the enemy to be able to
reach so close to the village. For three of their number, it was their
last mistake.

Gabrielle felt her anger rise
at the sight of the dead Amazons lying in pools of their own blood and
charged into the battle, heedless of the danger to herself.

"Gabrielle! Wait!"
Ephiny cried as she watched the Queen attack, her staff cutting a swath
through the ranks of the rebels. The opposition was only six in number,
and they now found themselves embroiled in battle with nearly twenty Amazons
loyal to the Queen. As the rebels fought, one of them noticed the Queen
join the fray and immediately turned her attack on Gabrielle. Breaking
off from her attack with a viscious blow that left her opponent semiconscious,
the rebel came at Gabrielle, her sword upraised. Gabrielle sensed, rather
that saw the impending blow and ducked under it, rolling to her left and
coming up to stand facing her aggressor.

The rebel Amazon was undeterred
and pressed her attack once again, lunging, the tip of her sword aimed
directly for Gabrielle's heart. Gabrielle brought up her staff across her
body, blocking the sword cleanly away from her body and then using her
momentum, brought down a crushing blow to her attackers' sword arm, forcing
her to drop the weapon. The rebel had severely underestimated the Amazon
Queen's abilities, and knew better than to force a bad situation. She turned
and fled into the forest, calling her fellow Amazons to her as she went.
The two that still remained on their feet quickly broke away as well, fleeing
to the trees, and their escape.

Several of the Amazons from the
village tore off in pursuit, but a call from their Queen stopped them in
their tracks.

"Stop!" Gabrielle commanded.
"Let them go."

"But, Gabrielle...."
Ephiny protested, but a warning look from Gabrielle compelled her to hold
her tongue.

"Ephiny, the last thing
we need to do now is split up. If we go chasing Arleia's warriors into
the trees, they have the advantage. No, we have to wait until we are ready
to pursue them. Charging off blindly will only get us killed."

Ephiny had no argument for Gabrielle's
cool logic, and silently bowed her head slightly in deference to her Queen's
decision. "Of course, you're right, My Queen."

Gabrielle was surprised to hear
the formal words spoken by her friend, but the effect on the Amazon warriors
watching the exchange was unmistakable. Where before there had been only
respect for their young Queen, now there was also a new found loyalty and
fire. Gabrielle had proven to be a cunning fighter, and a wise leader all
in the space of a few minutes. Any lingering doubts as to their Queen's
ability to lead them against Arleia now vanished, replaced by rock hard
faith and a determination that they would die for this woman before them,
if she commanded it. Not many in the history of the Amazons had been able
to gain such levels of loyalty and respect so quickly. Melosa had, and
now so did Gabrielle.

Gabrielle now realized that Ephiny
was awaiting her instructions as to what to do next, and she hesitated,
unsure of her next move. The responsibility she had felt weighing upon
her back in Lamia when Selari had first approached her now seemed to be
crushing the young woman. In her mind Xena's words from long ago came to
her, 'Act, don't react', and she knew what she had to do.

Gabrielle turned to the warriors,
now looking to her for guidance. "Selari, take three others and see
to the dead. I want their pyres prepared by nightfall. Ephiny, gather together
your best hunters, I want to see you all in my quarters once we are safely
back within the walls of the village. I don't want us to be caught like
this again. You," Gabrielle said, pointing to a young, strong Amazon
warrior.

"Yes, My Queen." The
warrior responded immediately, eagerness in her voice and stance.

"I want you to see to the
prisoners," Gabrielle ordered, gesturing to the wounded rebels. "See
to it they are put in jail, and their wounds are tended to." The warrior
nodded once in assent.

"The rest of you, get back
within the village until we can come up with a new patrol strategy."
Gabrielle paused to gauge their reactions. When no one made a move, she
raised her voice, "Go!" At the command, the Amazons came to life,
carrying out their assigned tasks, or simply assisting the wounded back
to the confines of the stronghold.

Gabrielle re-entered the village,
flanked by Ephiny and Selari, her face a controlled mask that belied none
of the emotions raging beneath the surface. She only hoped that no one
could see that she was faking it all. She had no idea if what she was doing
was right or not, and felt none of the confidence she showed in that small
clearing. But the mask was firmly in place, and Gabrielle silently wondered
if her false confidence and show of bravado would at all surprise Xena.
No. Thought Gabrielle, I think she just might be proud of me.
Just goes to show I did learn SOMETHING from watching her these last couple
of years. You can do this, Gabrielle. For them and for you. The Queen
told herself firmly, feeling slightly more sure of herself and her ability
to deal with what happened and her new found position of authority. The
Amazons would now look exclusively to her for leadership, and she was determined
not to let them down.

PART V: RIFT

Xena rode Argo hard through the
night and into the next morning, eager to put Lamia and its problems behind
her. The siege had ended rather quickly when Xena challenged Marleus to
single combat, winner take all. At first he had refused, but Xena wouldn't
give up. She had sent several messages to his camp, calling him everything
but a horseís ass and making it known that she thought him an incredible
coward. Xena was all too familiar with how quickly news travels in a war
camp, even the news contained in the private messages meant for a warlord's
eyes alone. Before the day was out, the entire camp knew of Xena's challenge
and they were calling for her blood. Marleus knew that should he delay,
Xena's label of coward could lose him what little respect he still held
with his men.

Xena and Marleus met on the battlefield,
each eager to end it all quickly. Marleus turned out to be even easier
to defeat than Xena had hoped. She simply used his temper against him,
and once he lost control over his emotions in battle, he became hers. She
had let him live, but had placed his army under the control of the Lamia
citizens, trusting that they could handle the situation until reinforcements
from Athens arrived to take them into custody.

As she neared the outskirts of
the Amazon hunting grounds, she was alerted to the presence of several
Amazon warriors hidden among the branches of the trees overhead. Not knowing
if they were loyal to Ephiny and Gabrielle or supporters of Arleia, she
silently dismounted, drawing her sword from its scabbard as she reached
the ground. The Amazons in the trees took no chances and sent in only four
of their number to confront the Warrior Princess, leaving the other four
as reinforcements, should they be necessary.

As the warriors descended from
their treetop lookouts, Xena tensed, her sword weaving slowly before her,
ever at the ready. The Amazons stood before the warrioress, their weapons
drawn. One of them stepped forward boldly, pushing back her mask.

"Xena. Have no fear, it's
me, Selari."

"Selari." Xena replied
simply, allowing her sword arm to drop. "Is everything all right?
How are Ephiny and Gabrielle?" Xena had hoped the question would sound
casual, instead she feared it spoke volumes. She had worried about the
young bard ever since she had left Xena behind in Lamia, and now was eager
for any news of her.

"They are fine, Xena. But
the struggle does not go well. The Queen has left standing orders that
you are to be brought to her as soon as you arrive. Come, I'll take you
to her." Selari stated, turning to lead Xena through the brush. They
arrived in the village nearly an hour later, their trip uneventful, to
Selari's relief. Since the confrontation near the village three days ago,
the raids had become even more frequent. Arleia had not lost any of her
warriors in a raid until Gabrielle arrived, now they had lost five. Three
had been captured in that small clearing three days ago, two more the day
after, and Arleia was beginning to lose her patience. After Gabrielleís
forces captured her warriors, Arleia became enraged and had doubled the
attacks on the village defenses, turning her attention away from the Centaurs
to focus completely on the Amazons.

Xena and Selari entered the village
unchallenged, but not unnoticed. The sentries had seen them coming several
minutes before they reached the village gates. Xena saw the precautions
the Amazons had taken and was frankly rather impressed. The layout of the
village patrols and sentries was very much like those that she herself
would have designed. As they neared the Queen's hut, she noticed the heavily
armed honor guard and was pleased to see that Ephiny had taken her warning
about Gabrielle's safety quite seriously. As they entered the dwelling,
Xena allowed her eyes to adjust to the dim light, trying to make out the
figure that sat upon the throne. She had expected to see Ephiny fulfilling
the position that Gabrielle had left to her, but to her surprise was greeted
by a warm smile and green eyes alight with joy at seeing her.

"Xena!" Gabrielle exclaimed,
setting aside the parchments she had been studying to rise and greet the
Warrior Princess. Ever aware of Xena's discomfort at any display of affection,
Gabrielle merely extended her hand to rest lightly on Xena's forearm, allowing
her touch to linger for just a moment before withdrawing.

"Did everything go well
in Lamia? Are you tired? Do you want to eat?" Gabrielle asked in a
rush, relieved that Xena had arrived, safe and sound. With the increased
raids, Gabrielle had worried that Xena would walk into a situation that
she was unprepared for, and had dispatched several groups of warriors with
instructions to look out for the warrioress while on their assigned patrols.

"Gabrielle, one question
at a time, ok?" Xena responded, glad to be able to see for herself
that the bard was indeed safe and sound. "Lamia is safe, and yes,
rest and a meal sound good. Where's Ephiny?"

"She's out on guard duty
right now. She'll be back in a couple of hours. Jana," Gabrielle called
over her shoulder. Momentarily, a young Amazon girl emerged from the adjoining
room.

"Yes, My Queen." The
girl answered.

"Jana, have a meal brought
here for myself and my friend, and have an extra palette made up, ok?"
Gabrielle ordered, but somehow her orders still came out sounding like
polite requests.

"As you wish, My Queen."
The girl replied and disappeared through the doorway and into the village
beyond.

"That's a long story, Xena.
I'll tell you over lunch, ok? There's a fresh bath I just had drawn in
the other room, go ahead, I've got some things to discuss with Selari.
We'll eat after you've finished and I'll tell you all that's happened."
Gabrielle said as she gestured toward the small room beyond the doorway
to her right.

Xena merely nodded her assent,
eager to rid herself of the stench of the battles she had recently fought.
She entered the small room and began removing her armor and leathers. As
she lowered herself into the water, Xena wondered at the change in Gabrielle.
When did she start giving orders? And when did the Amazons begin following
her leadership? Xena suddenly began to worry yet again, if Gabrielle
had become a more prominent figure to the Amazons, that would most definitely
make her a target for Arleia, and that could only mean trouble. But
then again, trouble is what Gabrielle excels at! Xena thought, a small
smile tugging at her lips. Well, I'm here now. And I won't let anything
happen to her.

Once Xena had thoroughly washed
herself and redressed, she rejoined Gabrielle in the great room. The young
Queen was bent over an array of maps and scrolls, her brow furrowed in
concentration. Gabrielle looked up from the parchments before her as Xena
approached. She had dispatched Selari and Jana to carry out her latest
requests, and Xena and Gabrielle were now alone in the hut. Xena felt refreshed
after her bath, ready to hear exactly what had been happening over the
last few days. She settled herself into a high backed chair at one end
of the low table Gabrielle was leaning against.

"What's all this?"
Xena asked, surveying the clutter on top of the table.

"This," Gabrielle said
with a sweep of her hand as she moved to draw her chair closer to Xena's,
"is something I need your help with. So far we've been able to fend
off Arleia's attacks, but Xena, she's getting bolder every day. I'm afraid
that soon she'll be able to break through our defenses." Gabrielle
explained, concern in her voice.

"Let me see what they've
got so far." Xena said, reaching for the maps. She quickly scanned
the plans mapped out in front of her, and slowly began to recognize the
strategy it laid out.

"Gabrielle, did YOU come
up with these?" Xena asked incredulously.

"No Xena, actually you did.
I did pay attention to what was going on, you know." Gabrielle replied,
a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"This is the plan I had
set up for Lamia, sort of." Xena said, now studying the maps more
closely. "But you've made some changes."

"Well we weren't under siege,
so I used some of the sentries for patrols to give us a little warning
for when Arleia's warriors attacked. Which they have been doing on a pretty
regular basis for the last three days." Gabrielle stated, shaking
her head slightly.

Xena's warlord half took over
as she studied the plans carefully. For the most part, Gabrielle's plan
was a sound one, but she could see some holes in her defenses that were
sure to be found and exploited before too much longer.

"Gabrielle, I think you
should move these sentries posted here, and here," Xena said as she
gestured to the north and south ends of the village, "they would be
more effective further Northeast and southwest of their current positions."

"Ok, ok I see." Gabrielle
responded, making a mental note to inform Ephiny and Selari of the changes
so that they could see to their execution.

Xena turned toward her friend,
the look of seriousness on the bard's face giving her pause.

"Gabrielle, tell me about
what happened. How did you end up assuming the throne again? Why isn't
Ephiny doing this?"

Gabrielle could see the concern
in her friends eyes, concern for her safety, and sighed deeply. She told
Xena of the events of the clearing and her defeat of the rebel Amazon and
her subsequent command not to pursue the fleeing rebels. Xena's eyes widened
at the thought of Gabrielle putting herself deliberately in harms' way,
but refrained from comment until Gabrielle had finished. The young Queen
could see that Xena was upset with her actions, but she could do nothing
to take them back now. After several moments of silence, Xena finally spoke.

"Gabrielle, do you have
any idea how foolish that was?" Xena asked quietly, fear for what
might have been gripping her heart and a fear for what may now come to
pass filling her.

Gabrielle was taken aback by
the rebuke. "What? Xena I..." Gabrielle stuttered.

"Gabrielle, you could have
been killed!" Xena nearly shouted as she rose suddenly to her feet.
"That Amazon was a trained warrior, she could have killed you had
you not been so lucky."

"But she didn't Xena."
Gabrielle replied, finding her voice.

"And now, you've become
'Queen'! Do you have any idea the danger that puts you in? Gabrielle, Arleia
will now see YOU as a direct threat to what she wants. From what I've heard
from Selari, she'll stop at nothing to get what she desires, and right
now that's your Queenhood, your Mask." Xena said as the full weight
of the decision Gabrielle had made now made itself clear, she only hoped
that Gabrielle could also see the gravity of her situation.

"Well, she's not going to
get it Xena. I stopped Velasca from getting it, I can stop Arleia too."
Gabrielle said, the hurt she felt at Xena's stinging words preventing her
from hearing what the warrioress was really trying to say. "I can
handle her, Xena."

"No you can't!" The
Warrior Princess shouted, now suddenly desperate. "Gabrielle you don't
know what you're doing! These are Amazons! Warriors! They don't settle
their problems with talk and stories! They settle them with swords and
daggers!"

"Xena, what are you saying?"
Gabrielle started, not believing her friend would dare speak to her in
this way. She had hoped that Xena would be proud of her, instead she was
treating her as if she were some spoiled child needing to be punished for
some wrong she had committed.

"Gabrielle, you are no Amazon.
What these people need is a warrior, not a bard! You can't lead these women!"
Xena shouted, her fear for her friend overwhelming any need to be sensitive
to Gabrielle's feelings at the moment. The bard stubbornly refused to acknowledge
the danger she faced, and Xena was determined to make her look into its
ugly heart and accept its presence so near to her.

The Amazon Queen emerged at the
warrioress' words, and she flew into a rage. "I AM AMAZON!" Gabrielle
shouted, her anger building, "If not by birth, then at least in my
heart! These ARE my people, Xena. They became mine when I decided to put
on that mask and become Queen."

Xena's anger at Gabrielle's stubbornness
now reached a peak. "Gabrielle, are you sure you didn't do that just
because you were upset? You felt lost and alone, and Ephiny offered you
the perfect way out, a new home and a new family. Gabrielle, she practically
bullied you into accepting the Mask!"

Gabrielle couldn't believe what
she was hearing. Xena had never doubted her in this way before, and it
cut deeply. Gabrielle felt as though she had been wounded to her very core,
her soul left bleeding from the attack by one she thought to never pick
up a weapon and wield it against her. "Are you saying I didn't know
what I was doing? That I only accepted the Mask out of grief for you?"
Gabrielle felt her resolve harden as the Warrior Princess, whom she had
called friend, now appeared before her as her foe. Gabrielle, hurt and
bewildered, did the only thing she knew, she picked up a weapon of her
own and wielded it with all her might.

"You overestimate yourself,
Xena."

The blow had a devastating affect
on the warrioress, who visibly staggered under the Queen's assault. She
knew she had pushed Gabrielle too far, she just hadn't realized how far.
Everyone had their breaking point, and she had taken Gabrielle to hers.
But instead of breaking, the Queen had fought back, and had proven to be
a cunning opponent, willing to use all the weapons at her disposal.

Gabrielle suddenly felt numb,
the emotions rolling through her from Xena's tirade receding, leaving nothing
in their place but a coldness, an emptiness she hadn't felt in weeks, not
since Xena had died. It was a feeling she had hoped to never experience
again.

"I guess I never realized
how little you respect me and my feelings, my decisions. This is just like
with Callisto, Xena. I pleaded with you not to free her, yet you did it
anyway. Do you know what she did to me? How she taunted and tormented me
with Perdicas' memory of what she did to him?" Gabrielle paused. "I
took the mask because it was the right thing to do, for the Amazons and
for me. Just like now. This is the right thing for me, Xena. MY people
need me to lead them. They're looking to me, and I won't turn my back on
them, I won't leave them the way you left me. If you can't deal with that,
then I guess it's time for us to say good bye. I'm staying right here."
Her face a mask that completely covered any feelings she may have been
harboring, Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons, turned and stalked from the
hut, leaving a stunned Warrior Princess in her wake.

PART VI: TRUCE

Two days had passed since Xena
and Gabrielle had last spoken, and those words had been uttered in anger.
Gabrielle immersed herself in the affairs of the village, personally overseeing
every facet of the village defenses and the ongoing rebuilding process.
The attacks on the village had taken on a ferocity in the last two days,
and several of the Amazons under Gabrielle's command had been killed or
wounded. Gabrielle felt each death personally, and knew that she was going
to have to do something, and soon, or the killing would simply continue.
That, coupled with the separation from Xena, had begun to weigh heavily
on the young woman. The tension that was hanging over the Amazon Queen
was palpable, and few dared to approach her with anything but the most
urgent of messages.

Xena had taken up residence on
the very outskirts of the village, pulling guard duty and going out on
patrols when Ephiny or Selari asked her. What happened between she and
Gabrielle devastated the Warrior Princess, and she did not know how to
deal with the situation. She had said things to Gabrielle that she now
regretted, and she didn't know how to take them back, or even if Gabrielle
wanted the warrioress in her life anymore. The thought that she may have
destroyed the one pure thing in her life, her love and friendship with
the bard, sickened Xena. The warrioress decided to throw herself into defending
the village, knowing that Gabrielle didn't want her near, but unable to
stray far, for she still feared for the Queen's life, and she still cared
about what happened to her.

Only Ephiny and Selari spent
any amount of time with the Queen, and they both worried about Gabrielle.
She had not spoken of the argument with Xena, sticking solely to Amazon
affairs whenever they met. Many had expected that Gabrielle would banish
Xena from the village, but were surprised to learn that their Queen allowed
Xena to remain, neither giving her permission to stay, nor commanding her
to leave. By the end of the second day, Ephiny decided to confront Gabrielle
about what happened, determined to help her friend deal with whatever had
come between the two best friends.

As she entered the Queen's quarters,
Ephiny found Gabrielle in her usual position, hunched over the newest maps
and layouts of the village defenses. As she approached, Gabrielle looked
up, and what Ephiny saw in the young woman's eyes troubled her deeply.
Gabrielle's carefully controlled mask was beginning to slip, and Ephiny
could see the look of utter defeat that could no longer be hidden. Upon
seeing Ephiny's look of concern, Gabrielle struggled with the cumbersome
emotional mask, until she had it in place once again.

Ephiny witnessed the struggle,
and it convinced her that she could not remain silent any longer. "My
Queen," Ephiny began formally, then thought better of it. "Gabrielle,
talk to me, please. What happened with Xena?"

The look of pain that washed
over Gabrielle's features at the mention of the Warrior Princess' name
was unmistakable, and this time the mask could not be replaced. Gabrielle
did not respond, dropping her head to stare at her hands, now clutched
uselessly in her lap. When she looked up again, the pain had been replaced
by an undeniable sadness that tore at Ephiny's heart. She crossed the room
and knelt down at Gabrielle's side, bringing the two eye to eye.

"Please talk to me, Gabrielle.
It'll help." Ephiny said, her heart going out to her friend.

"Ephiny, really, I don't
want to talk about it." Gabrielle said quietly, the emotions still
too raw, too fresh for her to deal with just yet.

"But, Gabrielle..."
Ephiny began, only to be cut off by the Queen's angry shout.

"Ephiny! I said not now."
Gabrielle said through clenched teeth, the feelings of pain and sadness
giving way to anger at being pressed. She felt as though Ephiny were crowding
her, even though the Amazon had said very little. Gabrielle's temper was
very short and she no longer had any patience for any defiance of her wishes,
even from her friend.

"Leave me." The young
Queen commanded quietly. Ephiny stood at the command, turning to leave,
she glanced back over her shoulder. "I'll be here, if you want to
talk." And with that she left the hut. Gabrielle knew she shouldn't
have been so short with her friend. I know she only wanted to help,
but I just don't want to think about Xena right now. Gabrielle said
to herself. Maybe in a few days.... The pain Gabrielle felt ran
so deep that she doubted she would ever truly be able to live without feeling
it. Xena's words had touched upon feelings she didn't even know she had.
Gabrielle, more than anything, wanted Xena's acceptance and understanding,
and when the warrioress had become angry with the very decision Gabrielle
had been most proud, the feelings that had lurked beneath the surface since
Xena had died, came roaring to life. All the hurt, all the loss, and it
had been more than she could handle. She had severed the bond she had once
shared with Xena, a bond that had now become too painful.

Across the village, in a ramshackle
hut that seemed to be barely standing, Xena had spent the last several
hours in quiet meditation. Once the meditation techniques she learned nearly
ten years ago would have calmed her, helped her to focus. Now however,
they offered no solace from her thoughts. She deeply regretted her harsh
words spoken to Gabrielle, and she knew, deep down, she had uttered them
out of fear, and yes, out of love. All she ever wanted was to keep Gabrielle
safe, but that had failed miserably. Now she had destroyed all she held
dear, and she felt its loss like a crushing weight upon her chest.

The Warrior Princess had never
been adept at handling her emotions, and when she became a ruthless warlord,
she never seemed to stop long enough to feel anything. Occasionally someone
would dare to get close to her, and she would begin to allow her emotions
to creep through. Then would come the pain, and she would wall herself
off again.

That is, until one man came into
her life and taught her how to live, truly live, once more. If not for
Hercules, Xena would never have had the courage to turn her back on what
she had become. But it wasn't until Gabrielle came into her life that Xena
felt the courage to let someone get close to her again. She had lost so
many dear to her and at first she had kept the young bard at a firm distance
from her heart. Over the months, however, Xena could feel Gabrielle's quiet
acceptance and understanding slowly chip away at the walls around her heart.
But it wasn't until that horrible moment in Thessilay, when she knew Gabrielle
was dead, that she felt for certain the bard had become a part of her heart
and soul. Xena had done everything, tried all she could think of, to no
avail. Her Gabrielle was dead. Even Marmax had urged her to let the bard
go, and she had been on the verge of doing just that.

She had nearly given up, and
in that moment glimpsed her life without Gabrielle, and it had terrified
her. It was then that the fury had taken over. She had beaten her fists
on Gabrielle's lifeless body, giving vent to her anger and frustration.
Her rational mind told her that Gabrielle was dead, but her heart had refused
to accept it, could not accept it. Just as her heart felt that it would
burst from the grief and rage, Gabrielle had suddenly taken a breath, then
two, her eyes flying open, pain and confusion on her face. Xena felt in
that moment looking into those eyes she had thought closed forever, as
if she had been reborn.

But as desolate as Xena had been,
looking at Gabrielle still and pale in death, it could not compare with
the pain and loss she was experiencing now. Xena felt as if her soul had
been rended in two, and the agony threatened to overwhelm her. A sudden
knock brought Xena out of her reverie, and she slowly rose to answer the
call. Xena pulled aside the curtain covering the doorway to find Selari
standing in the afternoon sun, waiting patiently.

The sight of a rather disheveled
Warrior Princess who looked like she hadnít slept in days greeted Selari.
"Xena, Iíve come to ask your help."

Xena was grateful for the Amazons
warrior's attentions lately. Selari seemed to know what to say, and not
to say, just when the warrioress needed to her. It had been Selari who
had first approached Xena after she had left Gabrielle's quarters two days
ago. Xena had been hurt and angry, and Selari offered her the opportunity
to join them on a patrol that very afternoon. Something, anything to take
her mind of what had happened at that point had been welcomed. And now,
when Xena felt as if she could not take another moment alone, there again
was Selari, offering her action in the place of contemplation.

"What do you want of me?"
Xena asked the warrior woman, relieved to have something else to think
about.

"We are organizing a rather
unique patrol for tonight. I thought you might be of assistance. We have
been ordered to scout further out than normal tonight to see if we might
determine the location of Arleia's camp. I have heard of your skill as
a tracker, and I thought..."

"I'll meet you beyond the
village, just past the clearing you spoke of yesterday." Xena replied,
knowing that if Gabrielle saw her joining the group it could lead to a
confrontation she would rather avoid. If Selari was asking her to join
the patrol without Gabrielle's knowledge, it had to be for a very good
reason. Up until now, Gabrielle had been made aware of Xena's presence
among the village defenders, and the Queen had said nothing, not acknowledging
the warrioress' at all. Perhaps it was that stark refusal to even admit
to Xena's existence that had cut more deeply than any.

It was nearly full dark when
Queen Gabrielle finally bid the Amazon warriors leave the village in search
of the rebel camp. Xena had left well in advance, and now waited for their
arrival. As the patrol entered the clearing, Selari approached Xena.

"Xena." She said, nodding
slightly to the warrioress.

"Selari." Xena returned.
"Are you going to tell me what this is all about now?"

Selari hesitated, picking her
words carefully. "What I told you this afternoon was true, we have
been charged with finding Arleia's camp, but our purpose is not combat,
it's to deliver a message from the Queen."

Xena steeled herself before asking
her next question. "What's the message, Selari?"

"Queen Gabrielle has offered
Arleia the Royal Challenge."

Xena's breath caught in her throat.
She knew that Arleia would not refuse the Challenge, for if she defeated
the Queen in mortal combat, she would gain all that she sought, control
over the Amazon nation. Since she was not of royal blood, she could not
demand the Challenge herself, but Gabrielle had eliminated that problem.
By handing Arleia the Challenge, Gabrielle waived the stipulation of royal
blood. It was an old custom, used in the past to eliminate rivals to the
Queen's control over the Amazon Nation, and was nearly obsolete, until
now.

Xena now understood why Selari
had asked her to join the patrol, and why Gabrielle had not been told.
If she was with them, there was always the chance that she could kill Arleia
when they found her, eliminating the need for Gabrielle to face a combat
to the death. She knew that Gabrielle might never forgive her for what
had happened between them, but at least Xena could try to save her life.
After all that taken place, Xena still loved Gabrielle, and could never
sit by while her life was in danger.

Selari waited as Xena took in
what she had said. When Xena's eyes again met hers, Selari knew the warrioress
had made her decision. Saying nothing, Selari turned and led the way through
the dense copse of trees. The latest information they had been able to
piece together from their own patrols and the Centaurs, who were still
keeping a close eye on the civil war raging just across the river from
their lands, was that Arleia's camp must lie to the northeast of the village.
All the reports had pointed to the same conclusion. Each time an attack
was thrown back from the village, the raiders chose a different path in
retreat, but Ephiny and her scouts had finally discovered their rally point
deep in the forest, and the tracks unmistakably led to the northeast. Messengers
from the Centaurs, who had recently observed the same patterns, had confirmed
this information.

They traveled in silence for
several hours, the darkness giving them the cover they lacked in the daylight.
Under a cloak of darkness, the Amazons hoped to draw close enough to the
camp to deliver their message before being attacked. It was a simple plan,
get within bow shot of the rebels and fire the message bearing the royal
crest into the camp and then melt once again into the darkness to return
to the village. They would know soon enough if the challenge had been accepted.

As they moved through the forest,
Xena became increasingly concerned. It was taking longer than it should
to discover the camp, and she feared dawn would be upon them before they
found it. The success of their mission could be jeopardized if the rebels
learned of their position before they got close enough. Xena had no intention
of delivering Gabrielle's message, she only needed to get close enough
to kill Arleia, but the others would have a better chance of making back
to the village if they were not detected. Xena cared little if she herself
ended up in the hands of the rebels, all she was concerned with was Arleia
and the Challenge.

It was still four hours before
dawn when the patrol discovered the first of the rebel sentries. The first
of the Amazons to encounter the rebels slipped silently up to their position
and were able to incapacitate two of the three members of the detail. Unfortunately
the third was able to escape and raise the alarm to her compatriots in
other lookouts hidden among the trees. Xena had been toward the rear of
the column when she heard the alarm. She swore silently, knowing that their
escape may now be impossible.

Xena drew her sword from its
scabbard on her back, quickening her pace to join the fight up ahead. As
she approached the sounds of battle, she sensed a presence behind her and
turned to meet it. The Amazon rebel swung down from her perch in the trees
to stand before the Warrior Princess, sword at the ready, her face obscured
by her ritual mask. Xena sized up her opponent carefully, watching for
any indication of an opening. As she slowly twirled her weapon before her,
the Amazon attacked, charging straight for Xena, her sword leveled at Xena's
heart. Xena brought down her blade in a sweeping arc, deflecting the tip
of the sword easily. The warrioress used her downward momentum to bring
her own sword back up above her head and changing direction, sliced toward
her opponent's now undefended body. But the warrior woman who faced her
was more agile than Xena had expected and was able to side step the blow
that nearly sliced through her abdomen.

Xena had miscalculated her foe,
and now she was left off balance and at a disadvantage. The Amazon took
control of the battle now, and pressed her attack, keeping Xena continually
off balance with thrusts and parries to either side of her body. Xena had
been on the verge of regaining her balance and beginning an attack of her
own, when a cry pierced the darkness.

"STOP! Stop or I'll kill
them all!"

The power behind the words was
compelling, and both Xena and her foe stopped their attack. Xena turned
to see a striking Amazon, standing nearly as tall as her, holding a dagger
to Selari's throat. The other members of the patrol had been similarly
disarmed, and now stood at the mercy of the rebels. Xena knew immediately
whom it was she now faced. Only a true leader could command that type of
presence.

"Arleia." Xena spat,
as if the name itself were evil.

"Xena, I'm flattered."
Arleia began as she pushed the mask away from her face. "Well, what
do we have here, hmm?" Arleia taunted, supremely confident in her
position. Xena longed to wipe the smug look of victory from Arleia's face,
but she did not dare attack. She couldn't risk the lives of the Amazons
who had traveled with her, Xena wouldn't add their blood to her conscience.

One of the rebel Amazons stepped
forward toward her leader, her arms outstretched, in her hands lay the
parchment containing the Royal Challenge. "We found this, My Queen."

Xena's heart sank as she recognized
the crest of the House of Melosa. Arleia unrolled the parchment and read
it carefully, her expression one of barely constrained joy.

"So the new Queen wants
to Challenge me!" Arleia said incredulously. "Well, I think I
just may have to accept her challenge. Take them!" She commanded,
and Xena found herself with a sword tip to her back. The Warrior Princess
reluctantly surrendered her weapons, knowing that now was not the time
to press an attack. She would simply have to bide her time, and look for
an opportunity to break free during the journey back to the village. That
is, if Arleia let any of them live that long.

"Bind their arms. We'll
execute them, after they watch me kill their Queen!" Xena inwardly
flinched at Arleia's prophecy, vowing that the Amazon would never live
long enough to harm Gabrielle. Xena's eyes were cold as steel as her arms
were bound behind her back, allowing her little freedom to move her hands.
She knew she simply had to watch and wait, hoping the opening to strike
at Arleia presented itself before they reached the village.

PART VII: FIGHT FOR LIFE

Gabrielle had begun to worry.
The patrol she had sent out the night before had yet to return. She and
Ephiny had hoped that they would be able to locate the camp, deliver their
message, and return all before sunrise, but the sun was now high in the
sky, and there was still no sign of them. She was just about ready to send
Ephiny out to look for them, when the sound of the perimeter alarm reached
her ears. Queen Gabrielle raced outside, her staff clutched in her hands.
The village had sprung to life at the alarm, each warrior running at top
speed toward her assigned post. Gabrielle took her place at the top of
the lookout tower nearest the outer rim of the village defenses, waiting
anxiously for word from the advanced scouts who had raised the warning.
She didn't have long to wait.

Bursting through the edge of
the forest came a young warrior. She skidded to a halt in front of the
walls to the village, panting and out of breath.

The warrior woman gulped in a
few breaths of air before responding. "It's our patrol from last night,
My Queen. They have been captured. Arleia's troops are leading them this
way now."

Gabrielle's heart nearly stopped
at the news. Her plans had backfired, and now she was at Arleia's mercy.
She had hoped to draw the warrior to the village and face her alone, putting
no one but herself in danger. Now that was impossible. As she raised her
eyes to focus on the edge of the treeline, she could just make out the
figures as they approached, moving into the open. At the head of the column
was a most powerful figure, commanding the attention of all whom looked
upon her. Gabrielle knew with utmost certainty that this was Arleia.

Gabrielle tore her attention
away from the rebel leader to search the group for her warriors. As Selari
was led from the cover of the trees, Gabrielle breathed a sigh of relief,
grateful that she had not been harmed during her capture. As the rest of
the patrol was brought into the open, Gabrielle did a quick head count
and was gratified that they all had returned and did not appear seriously
injured. As the rear of the group came into view, Gabrielle could see that
several of the rebel warriors seemed to be grouped around one last figure,
as if afraid that the prisoner might escape, the terror in their eyes evident.
They feared their charge, and with good reason.

Gabrielle's eyes narrowed as
she realized the prisoner under such heavy guard was Xena. Suddenly furious
that the Warrior Princess had been a part of the detail, the Queen knew
that it had to have been Selari who informed Xena where they were going
and to what purpose. 'Xena, by the gods, why do you have to keep interfering!'
Gabrielle thought, her anger convincing her that Xena must have been at
least partly responsible for her warriors capture. Gabrielle was so angry
that she failed to notice the blood trickling down the left side of Xena's
face, her expression a mixture of pain and rage.

Xena had waited as long as she
could during the journey back to the village, searching for her opportunity
to strike at Arleia. She had worked at the bonds around her wrists until
they had become loose enough that she thought she could pull her hands
free, once the time was right. She thought her chance had come when one
of the rebels charged with guarding her became distracted by a sudden noise
off in the trees. Xena had reacted, yanking her arms out of their restraints
and leaping on the nearest rebel in an attempt to disarm her. As Xena's
hands closed around the woman's sword, the rebel cried out a warning, and
instantly three more of Arleia's troops were upon the Warrior Princess,
pulling her down. The warrioress had fought well, landing several blows
before finally succumbing to a sharp blow to her head that left her dazed.
It was a nothing short of amazing that Arleia didn't have her killed on
the spot, but the Amazon seemed to be enjoying seeing Xena supplicated
before her, and decided to execute her, after she claimed the Mask. For
the time being, Arleia had been content with merely doubling Xena's guards.
It was in that fashion that Xena had been brought the rest of the way to
the Amazon village.

"Queen Gabrielle!"
Came the call from below, drawing the young Queen's attention back to Arleia.
"I have come to accept the Challenge!" The words were all that
was necessary to satisfy Amazon law and tradition. Gabrielle was now bound
to uphold her challenge to Arleia, and they both knew it. There would be
no talking her way out of this one, but she knew that talking her way out
of it had never truly been an option.

Gabrielle took a deep breath,
raising her voice to answer. "Open the gates." She ordered. Gabrielle
then turned and made her way down from the lookout just as Arleia and her
warriors entered the city. The Amazon Queen stood defiantly before the
rebel, the end of her staff resting on the ground, her hand clutching the
traditional Amazon weapon, attempting to draw strength from its smooth
surface. Arleia strode boldly through the open portal, carrying herself
as if she had already defeated Gabrielle and now held the Mask of the Queen.

Arleia walked up to stand directly
before Gabrielle, forcing the Queen to look up to meet her eyes. "Choose
the weapons, Queen Gabrielle. I bow to your decision." Arleia said
as she gazed down at the woman before her. She looks even smaller than
I remember. Thought Arleia.

"Staffs." Gabrielle
replied tersely, tightening her grip on her weapon of choice. Arleia inclined
her head slightly, and moved to take up a position within the battle circle
near the center of the village. The ceremonial area had been prepared the
night before, as per the Queen's orders, she simply had not expected to
use it so soon.

"Wait." Gabrielle called,
"release my warriors first."

"Why should I?" Arleia
asked, turning back to face the Queen.

"Because I ask it of you.
They have all sworn an oath, they will not interfere. This is between you
and me now. Let them go." Gabrielle repeated.

Arleia considered the request.
Even if she didn't have them under guard, she knew that Gabrielle was right.
Their sense of honor would keep the Amazons from becoming involved in the
Challenge, but as for Xena, she was not so sure. "And what of the
Warrior Princess? Did she take an oath?"

Gabrielle had not considered
that Arleia would bring up the warrioress, and now that she had, Gabrielle
was not at all sure she could vouch for Xena's noninterference in the combat.
Gabrielle frowned as she turned to look at Xena. The Warrior Princess had
raised her head at the mention of her name, and now gazed unflinchingly
into Gabrielle's eyes. Even through her anger, Gabrielle could see the
emotions fighting for control in Xena's soul: rage, fear, sadness, regret,
they all fought for domination. Gabrielle began to feel the anger she held
in her heart recede somewhat and she gathered the courage to speak to the
warrioress.

Gabrielle approached Xena slowly
and deliberately, and the guards flanking her made no move to stop the
Queen. Standing before the Warrior Princess she framed her words carefully.

"Xena, do I have your word
you won't interfere?" Gabrielle uttered each word as if it was an
effort to get them past her lips. It was the first time they had spoken
in days, and it felt awkward to her. Xena struggled with the decision.
She knew herself too well, and if Gabrielle were in danger of being killed,
if it was within her power, she would stop it.

"Gabrielle, you know I can't
do that." Xena replied honestly.

"Xena please, stay out of
this. This is my fight, not yours." Gabrielle said.

At those words, Xena suddenly
had an idea. "Gabrielle, let me be your champion. Let me fight this
one for you, please."

Gabrielle heard the plea, and
the anger she had felt now fell away as she looked into Xena's soul and
saw only sadness and shame. But Gabrielle knew she had to do this herself,
no one could fight this battle for her. She just had to convince Xena of
that fact.

"Xena, this isn't about
me. This is about the survival of the Amazon Nation. I have to do this,
and it must be me who faces the danger, faces death. If I win, the war
ends, that was part of the Challenge I sent to Arleia. If she loses, then
her followers have to swear to lay down their arms, never to take them
up against their sister Amazons again. They will do as she bids them, Xena.
They will swear to it before the combat begins. But if I should lose.."
Gabrielle paused at the look of anguish on Xena's face. "If I should
lose, Amazon law is very clear. The leadership of the Amazon nation would
fall to Arleia, and all Amazons must pledge allegiance to her or face banishment.
Don't you see? Either way, I win. Either way, the killing ends,
here and now." Gabrielle concluded, determination hardening her resolve.

Xena looked into the green eyes
that now calmly regarded her, and saw none of the fury that had been present
during their last encounter. Now all Xena could see was a Queen, desperate
to protect her people. Her heart felt as if it might pound out of her chest
at the thought of Gabrielle fighting the Amazon. She was clearly at a disadvantage
going up against a trained Amazon warrior, and Xena was almost certain
Gabrielle would not survive. But Xena was also weary of fighting with Gabrielle,
and the thought of another verbal battle with the young woman became unthinkable.

Xena was now faced with the most
difficult decision of her life. If she agreed to stay out of the combat,
and Gabrielle lost, she would never be able to forgive herself. And if
she didn't agree, Arleia would probably kill them both. In the end it was
Gabrielle's cool logic and heated passion that made up Xena's mind. She
had doubted Gabrielle's ability to lead the Amazons, and she had been proven
quite wrong. Gabrielle was a calm and confident leader, able to stir the
Amazons to action with a simple command. Xena could only pray she was wrong
this time as well, the guilt she carried with her every day was already
nearly unbearable. If she were to add the guilt of Gabrielle's death to
her conscience, she didn't know if her fragile soul could survive. Somehow,
Xena found the strength to respond. But the guilt would not be hers alone.

"All right, Gabrielle. I
promise." Xena said, her voice no more than a hushed whisper.

"Thank you." Gabrielle
replied simply. She could feel the depth of feeling behind Xena's simple
words, and knew that, once again, she had greatly underestimated her friend.
Gabrielle's only wish, as she entered the arena to face Arleia, was to
take back the last two days. To replay her life and take back all she had
said and done. But now it was too late, and Xena would never know how much
she truly did love her. Perhaps that was the real reason Xena's words had
hurt so much. Gabrielle loved the Warrior Princess in a way she had never
loved anyone before, not her sister, Perdicas, no one. Now she would never
be able to explore the depth of the bond she shared with Xena, and that
was something she would deeply regret, for Gabrielle fully expected to
die in the next few minutes.

"All right, they have all
sworn to abide by my orders, no one will interfere. Release them."
Gabrielle said, this time the request sounding much more like an order.

Arleia was nothing if not a creature
of honor. If they had taken an oath, then she would respect it. With a
wave of her hand, the guards moved to release their prisoners. As their
bonds were removed, Selari, Xena, and the other members of the patrol moved
to stand with Ephiny and the Amazons loyal to Gabrielle.

"I'm sure you know the law."
Arleia began, supremely confident. "We fight until one of us is dead."

"First things first. Have
them pledge their loyalty to me, as was the agreement in the Challenge."
Gabrielle replied.

Arleia turned to her troops and
addressed them. "You heard the Queen," the rebel sneered, "swear
it!" She never considered that her followers would ever have to live
up to the oath they were about to take, and so, had no misgivings about
ordering them to take it. Soon, she would be Queen, and none of this will
have mattered.

Her warriors did not question
the order, and drawing their swords, drew them across their breast in the
traditional Amazon salute. "I swear!" Each proclaimed in her
own voice, without any hint of reservation.

Gabrielle nodded solemnly, bringing
up her weapon, holding it in front of her, ready to begin. Arleia motioned
to one of her followers, who tossed her a staff. She twirled it in an intricate
pattern in front of her body, slowly circling the Amazon Queen before her.
As the two combatants circled, each looking for the opportunity to strike,
Xena moved to stand next to Ephiny. Arleia made the first move, lunging
toward Gabrielle, the butt of her staff lowered toward Gabrielle's abdomen.
Gabrielle brought up her weapon in a sweeping arc, blocking the blow easily,
and continued to circle.

Xena watched the cat and mouse
game Arleia was playing with a growing sense of dread. She knew that the
warrior was toying with Gabrielle, testing her. Watching it was becoming
difficult and Xena turned to Ephiny, taking firm hold of her arm.

"You summoned her here Ephiny."
Xena breathed, speaking only loud enough so that Ephiny could hear. "If
she dies, you will have killed her, same as if you had run her through
yourself. And I will NEVER forgive you."

Ephiny looked up sharply at Xena's
words, but said nothing. She felt guilty at putting Gabrielle in this position
in the first place. When she had learned of Gabrielle's plan to challenge
Arleia, she had tried to talk her out of it. When she was unsuccessful,
the guilt had nearly engulfed her. Ephiny knew that she had pressured Gabrielle
into coming back to help, but at the time, she saw no other choice. Now
Ephiny only wished it was she in that circle, and not Gabrielle. Xena's
words had cut to the very heart of her guilt and exposed it to the harsh
light of day. Their attention was pulled back to the combat, as the sharp
CRACK of wood against wood could be heard resounding throughout the village.

Arleia had attacked again, this
time bringing her staff overhead in a devastating arc. Gabrielle barely
managed to deflect the blow. The young Queen was now completely off balance,
and she found herself backpedaling frantically, scarcely able to keep on
her feet. Arleia saw the opportunity she had hoped for, and moved in for
the kill. But Gabrielle was not ready to give in just yet.

Just as Arleia was poised to
deliver the final overhead blow, Gabrielle planted her left foot firmly,
stopping her backward motion, and bringing up her staff in both hands,
she cleanly blocked the strike, stunning the warrior. But her surprise
was brief, and Arleia quickly changed the direction of her attack, bringing
up her staff in an underhanded movement that struck Gabrielle in the thigh.
The Queen went down to one knee, but anticipating the next strike, rolled
to her right to avoid it. Gabrielle came up standing and using her momentum,
charged Arleia. The Queen landed two blows to Arleia's unprotected sides
with either end of her staff before the rebel was able to recover herself
and block the attack, moving out of range of Gabrielle's weapon.

The clash ended, and the two
combatants resumed circling each other, once again looking for an opening.
It was not until it was over, and Gabrielle was still standing, that Xena
realized she had been holding her breath, her body tensed with fear. She
visibly relaxed when Gabrielle escaped the deadly blows without serious
injury. Watching the dance of death, Xena could feel her blood boiling,
her anger rising at her promise and the boundaries it placed on her, forcing
her to stand by and do nothing. She felt Ephiny's hand on her arm, gently
restraining her from entering the ring and ending it all, her promise be
damned. Xena turned to look into the cool eyes that silently regarded her.

"Don't do it Xena. She'd
never forgive you." Ephiny said simply, reading the warrioress' thoughts.
Xena turned her attention back to the spectacle playing itself out before
her and knew Ephiny was right. But more than that, Xena gained had too
much respect for Gabrielle to back down on her promise. She gave Gabrielle
her word, and if nothing else, she would keep it. She had hurt her friend
too much in the last few days, and if this was the only way to make it
up to her, then so be it. But if Arleia became the victor, Xena swore to
avenge Gabrielle's death. She knew with absolute certainty that if Gabrielle
were to die, her life could never possibly be the same again. Without Gabrielle,
her purpose would be gone, and life would become meaningless.

Gabrielle eyed Arleia warily,
watching the intricate patterns she wove with her staff through the still
air. She was tiring quickly and knew that if she were to have any hope
for survival, she needed to end this soon, but that hope was dwindling
along with her strength. Gabrielle hadn't expected to live this long, and
the fact that she was still on her feet had frankly surprised her. After
landing the first blow, and seeing Arleia stunned, Gabrielle's hope began
to grow until now, she felt that she might actually have a small chance
at winning. But victory would mean Arleia's death, and Gabrielle would
not kill. She had to find some way of ending the combat without killing
the rebel leader and that may be impossible.

As Arleia charged yet again,
Gabrielle found herself put on the defensive once more. The young Queen
was able to block each of the rebel's thrusts but found herself steadily
giving up ground under the constant attack, never able to mount an offense
of her own. It was then that Arleia made a costly mistake. Seeing her quarry
giving way under the ferocity of her attack, her confidence and pride took
over, and she decided to toy with the Queen first before ending her life.
It was this hubris that gave Gabrielle the opening she needed. As Arleia
slowed the pace at which she advanced on Gabrielle, she lowered her staff
ever so slightly, taking her attention off the Queen to look smugly into
the eyes of those arrayed around the battle circle.

Gabrielle, exhausted from the
unaccustomed exertion, sweat running in rivulets down her face, clouding
her vision, nearly missed the momentary lapse in concentration. But when
she saw it, immediately took advantage. She shifted her staff to her right
hand, her left extended to lend her balance as she swung the weapon outward
in a viscious circle that ended with the butt of the staff connecting with
Arleia's temple, crumpling her instantly. Gabrielle had delivered the blow
with all of her remaining strength and now stood over her opponent, her
muscles quivering with fatigue. She slowly became aware of her surroundings
again, her concentration no longer dominated by the woman now lying dazed
at her feet.

The Queen looked around at the
faces of her people, those she had risked her life to protect. Now those
people were crying for Arleia's blood, calling to their Queen to give it
to them. Gabrielle looked down at the figure helpless at her feet and knew
that it was over. She lowered her staff to the ground, breathing a sigh
of relief that she was still alive. It was then that the throng began to
cry out more insistently for Arleia to pay for her crimes.

"Kill her!" Some shouted.
"Kill her now! We demand justice!" Came the clamoring of others.

"NO!" Gabrielle shouted,
finding the strength to address the crowd. "No more killing."

The force of the Queen's shout
brought a stop to the din and silence settled over the arena like a heavy
blanket. Gabrielle looked into the eyes of each of the Amazon warriors
before her and realized that this was her chance. She may never again have
the opportunity to affect the lives of so many so profoundly, and the gravity
of the situation was not lost on her.

Xena watched the battle draw
to a close, feelings of elation and awe running through her. She could
barely believe what she had seen. Gabrielle had survived, the young Queen's
skill stunning the warrior woman. She had managed to severely underestimate
Gabrielle's strength and courage once again. Xena was now as enraptured
as the Amazon warriors around her as she listened to their Queen speak.

"I will not take her life."
Gabrielle continued. "There has been enough death. We must find another
way, my sisters. Yes, she deserves to be punished, that I don't deny. But
murder is not justice. Selari, take her to the prison." Gabrielle
commanded.

"NO!" Came the cry
from the crowd, unwilling to allow Arleia to live another moment. "The
blood of our dead cry for vengeance! And we will have it!" Some of
their number began to advance on the Queen and her opponent, still lying
on the ground. Arleia was amazed she was still alive, and was awaiting
her fate quietly, there was nothing to say. Honor demanded that she accept
her fate stoically, without any hint of fear.

The Amazons loyal to the Queen
had come to respect her and obey her orders without question, but this
was too much to ask. Amazon law demanded nothing less than Arleia's death,
and they meant to have it. As they closed in on the rebel leader, Gabrielle
moved to stand between her and the mob.

"NO! If you want to kill
her, then you'll have to kill me too!" The Queen yelled defiantly,
suddenly aware that Ephiny had taken up position on her right hand. Gabrielle
looked at Ephiny, surprised. She had thought the Amazon warrior would join
those demanding blood. Ephiny returned the gaze, a small smile touching
her lips.

"I stand with you, My Queen."
Ephiny said simply, squaring her shoulders to face the warriors she had
so recently led. At the sight of their Queen and her second in command
standing defending the traitor, ready to sacrifice their lives to protect
her, the throng stopped in their advance, now uncertain of their chosen
course of action.

Gabrielle saw their hesitation.
"The time for killing each other has past and we must now find another
way. I call upon the council to convene and decide the traitor's fate.
We have been wrong to seek vengeance on one another. It's now time for
forgiveness." Gabrielle studied the faces of those before her, attempting
to ascertain their sentiment. She could see the conflict that waged within
many of them, and it gave her hope. If they at least were able to doubt
their conviction that Arleia must die, then there would be hope for their
survival as a race.

"My sisters, I am not asking
you to give up your faith in the traditions of our elders. I only ask that
you consider that those traditions may now be outdated, and it is time
for a change. The time has come for us to create a new tradition."
Gabrielle looked to Xena, who nodded her head ever so slightly in approval.

PART VIII: EPILOGUE

Two days had passed since the
council had met to consider Arleia's fate. The traitor had been conspicuously
silent throughout the proceedings, never once speaking on her own behalf.
The council had decided upon the most severe punishment they could hand
down, short of an execution. Arleia was to be banished, never again to
live among the Amazon people she had so wanted to rule. Should she ever
attempt to return or to take control of the Amazons by force, she was to
be killed without question. Queen Gabrielle had not been overly pleased
with the final part of the sentence, but was willing to make the compromise,
if it meant that Arleia would live, at least for now. Whether or not the
rebel would die was now completely up to her. The very day the judgement
was passed, Arleia quietly left the village, taking with her only what
she could carry. No one could say for certain if she would ever attempt
to return.

The warriors who had chosen to
fight at Arleia's side were allowed to return to the village, but mistrust
would follow them wherever they went. They were no longer entrusted with
any facet of the village defenses, relegated to the more menial tasks of
day to day life in the village. The peace was an uneasy one, and Ephiny
and Gabrielle both knew that it would take many months for the memories
of what they had all endured to fade. But they were united once again,
and both women felt certain that they were stronger for it.

It was late in the day when Xena
finally gathered the courage to confront Gabrielle. Her joy that the young
bard had survived the ordeal was only outmatched by her sheer amazement
at Gabrielle's ability to shape the Amazon Nation into something that would
hopefully stand the test of time. The warrioress had spent the last two
days contemplating what she would say to Gabrielle when she was finally
able to get close enough to the Queen to really talk to her. The young
woman had been preoccupied with the trial, and now that it was over Xena
hoped to get her alone long enough to say what was in her heart.

As the Warrior Princess approached
the Queen's hut, she felt her heart begin to pound. What if she won't
see me? She thought frantically. She must! Even if she wants me
to leave, I'll not go before I've said what I came to tell her. The
guards at the entrance to the Queen's quarters stopped Xena at the door
while one entered to announce her. The warrior returned momentarily, ushering
Xena into the interior chambers.

Xena entered to find the room
empty, and looked at the guard questioningly.

"The Queen has asked that
you wait for her here." She said curtly, and then turned and left
the room, leaving Xena alone. The Warrior Princess paced impatiently, doubts
clouding her mind. This was a mistake. She couldn't possibly want me
in her life after I hurt her the way I did. She was turning to leave,
when Gabrielle entered from her private quarters, no longer dressed as
an Amazon Queen, but in her accustomed garb. She faced Xena coolly, her
expression belying nothing of what she was feeling.

"Leaving already, Xena?"
Gabrielle asked.

"This was a mistake, Gabrielle.
I shouldn't have come." Xena replied.

"No, Xena. I'm glad you
did. We need to talk." Gabrielle said as she turned to face away from
the warrioress. "Xena, I'm sorry for what happened between us."

"Gabrielle, no. It wasn't
your fault. I won't let you take the blame for any of it. You were only
doing what you felt you had to do. I should've had more respect for your
decision. I'm the one who's sorry." Xena explained, fearing she wasn't
saying any of this all that well. Words had never been her allies, and
she always seemed to be saying the wrong things and hurting those she loved
the most.

"Xena, I know you were only
trying to protect me but sometimes you just have to let me live my own
life. That's what friendship is all about. That's something I forgot. I
was so hurt by what you said, that I couldn't see what you were feeling,
and why you would say things that hurt me. We both made mistakes, Xena.
The only thing I want to know, is can we move on from here?" Gabrielle
asked, as she turned back to face her friend, hope lingering in her soul.

"Gabrielle..." Xena
began, unsure of what to say. Gabrielle had skillfully taken all the guilt
and shame the Warrior Princess had been feeling and transformed them into
hope and expectation. She knew she had to tell the young bard what she
had been feeling since they had parted. "Gabrielle, you know I have
never been good with my emotions. But that is especially true where you
are concerned. I told you once that our friendship binds us closer than
blood and that is still true. I feel a bond between us like I have never
known before, and when I thought I had destroyed that..." Xena paused,
searching for the right words. "I thought that was the end for me.
I could see no reason to go on. Gabrielle I could take almost anything,
except you hating me."

Gabrielle was shocked at Xena's
confession. She had known the rift between them had been difficult for
Xena, but she had not realized how hard it had been for her until now.
Gabrielle's gift of words now deserted her, and the woman whose voice could
calm an angry mob, found herself silent. She struggled with her own feelings
as she found her voice again.

"Xena, I could never truly
hate you. Furious with you, yes. But not hate." Gabrielle said, taking
a few steps to bring her closer to the warrior woman. "I think we
have both learned a lot from this, Xena. I told you once that I couldn't
bear to lose you again. I want to have you in my life, Xena. You're still
my home. I'm now more sure of that than ever." Gabrielle concluded,
taking a few steps to close the distance between them.

Xena could no longer stem her
emotions, and the joy she felt at Gabrielle's return was greater than anything
she had ever experienced. She broke into a wide smile, her eyes shining
with unshed tears. Gabrielle saw the relief in Xena's eyes, and reached
out to draw her into a deep embrace. They remained this way for several
minutes, neither wishing to break the spell. Both women realized how close
they had come to losing the bond they shared, the love that was stronger
now than before. The bards said, 'What doesn't kill us, can only make us
strongerí and for Xena and Gabrielle that was certainly true. It wasn't
until there came a soft knock, that they reluctantly drew away from each
other, turning to face the door.

"Of course not, Ephiny.
Please, come in." Gabrielle replied, motioning the Amazon to come
the rest of the way into the room. "Is there something you needed?"

"I wanted to apologize to
you, Gabrielle." Ephiny said, lowering her eyes. "I had no right
to force you into coming here and getting involved in all of this. It was
wrong of me, and I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?"

Gabrielle left Xena's side and
crossed over to stand in front of Ephiny. "You have nothing to be
sorry for. I'm a part of this village, Ephiny. I wouldn't have stayed if
I didn't believe that this was where I needed to be. And I learned a lot,
about myself and about life. Nothing is nearly as simple as I had imagined.
I think I'm finally starting to figure that out." Gabrielle said,
glancing over at Xena, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Please,
Ephiny, don't ever hesitate to send for me if you ever need me again."

Xena and Gabrielle watched her
leave, and then turned to face one another again.

"Gabrielle, we can stay
a while longer if you want." Xena offered.

"No, Xena. I think I'm ready
to leave. I'm ready to be just Gabrielle the bard again." She said,
a wide grin on her face. Xena returned her smile.

"Gabrielle, I wanted to
tell you I'm proud of you. The way you were able to guide the Amazons during
this whole thing. That wasn't an easy thing to do. You are much stronger
than I had given you credit. I underestimated you, and that's not something
I'll do again in the future." Xena affirmed.